Ribeiro, who has said he waited 10 years for a moment like this, became the latest amateur to take home the mirror ball trophy. "I cannot believe this!" he told host Tom Bergeron. "I don't even know what to say! These are happy tears!"

"He deserves this so much," added his partner, Witney Carson. "He's one of the most hard-working people I know."

The judges were impressed, handing the pair a score of 37. But they weren't the only ones gushing about the 17-year-old, who really seems to be hitting her stride.

PEOPLE caught up with her proud papa, Willie Robertson, after the show to get his thoughts. And while admitting it's still early in the competition, the Duck Dynasty star said he can tell his daughter is improving week to week.

Jindal claimed that Robertson, 67, was simply exercising his freedom of speech in the interview for GQ in which Robertson likened homosexuality to bestiality.

"I don't agree with quite a bit of stuff I read in magazine interviews or see on TV. In fact, come to think of it, I find a good bit of it offensive," Jindal said in a written statement. "But I also acknowledge that this is a free country and everyone is entitled to express their views. In fact, I remember when TV networks believed in the First Amendment.

"It is a messed up situation when Miley Cyrus gets a laugh, and Phil Robertson gets suspended," Jindal added.